latter part; second part; final part
Refers to the latter half or concluding part of a work divided into two or more parts, such as a book, film, or series. Often contrasted with 前編 (first part).
See also: 前編
この映画の後編は来月公開される。
The latter part of this movie will be released next month.
This story continues in the second part.
小説の後編を読み終えた。
I finished reading the second half of the novel.
Used for a follow-up work that continues the story, not necessarily the second of exactly two parts. Overlaps with sense 1 but emphasizes continuation rather than division.
前作の後編がついに完成した。
The sequel to the previous work has finally been completed.
This movie is divided into a first part and a second part.
The second part will be released next month.
続編 is a general term for any follow-up work continuing a story, while 後編 usually implies the second half of a work explicitly split into two parts.
後編 names the latter installment of a published work like a book or film, while 後半 is the general term for the second half of any event, game, or period of time.
Standard kanji form; used in news and common writing.
Rarely used kanji form; 篇 is an older variant of 編.
Compound of 後 (after, later) and 編 (compilation, volume). The kanji 編 is standard; 篇 is an older variant.